If you’re a fan of rugged SUVs, the new 2025 Toyota 4Runner is something you’ll want to know about. It’s a complete redesign that keeps the beloved spirit of the old model but brings it into the modern age with fresh tech, stronger powertrains, and clever new features. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or just want a reliable, tough vehicle for everyday use, Toyota has packed a lot into this sixth-generation 4Runner.
Some highlights you can’t miss include the shift from a V6 to turbocharged four-cylinder engines with up to 325 horsepower, a new off-road-focused Trail Hunter trim alongside the classic TRD Pro, and a price jump with the base model starting at $42,000 and top trims hitting nearly $68,000. There’s also a crazy cool built-in flashlight, a massive infotainment screen, innovative off-road tech, and an interior that blends toughness with modern convenience. Let’s dive into everything that makes the 2025 4Runner stand out.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Engine | 285 HP Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Hybrid Engine | 325 HP Turbo Hybrid 4-cylinder with 460 lb-ft torque |
| Starting Price | $42,000 (base model) |
| Top Off-Road Trim Price | $68,000 (TRD Pro & Trail Hunter) |
| New Off-Road Trims | TRD Pro (high-speed desert) & Trail Hunter (overlanding) |
| Infotainment | Large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Unique Features | Built-in removable flashlight, roll-down rear window, built-in Bluetooth speaker |
| DougScore Rating | 58/100 (beating Jeep Wrangler & Ford Bronco) |
Engine and Performance, Goodbye V6, Hello Turbo Power
One of the biggest shocks with the 2025 4Runner is the complete move away from the long-standing V6 engine. Toyota has decided to go with two turbocharged four-cylinder options instead. The base engine delivers a solid 285 horsepower with 315 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded turbo hybrid engine pushes that up to 325 horsepower and a massive 460 pound-feet of torque.
That torque boost is a game-changer, especially for off-road and towing situations. The hybrid powertrain also promises better fuel economy, which is a welcome upgrade in this class. However, there’s a tradeoff—this new engine sounds a bit strained under hard acceleration, especially around 3,000 to 5,000 RPMs. It’s noticeable but not a dealbreaker, especially if you’re coming from the older V6, which wasn’t exactly quiet or refined either.
What’s truly impressive is how much the handling and steering have improved. The new 4Runner drives tighter and more composed than its predecessors, shedding some of that old “trucky” feel. It handles more like a modern midsize SUV, comparable to popular crossovers like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. This means you get off-road capability without sacrificing everyday drivability—something many buyers will appreciate.
Off-Road Trims: Trail Hunter vs TRD Pro
For off-road fans, Toyota has introduced a new trim called the Trail Hunter alongside the established TRD Pro. Both trims start at about $68,000 but cater to different types of adventurers:
- TRD Pro: Designed for high-speed desert running, featuring suspension tuned for fast off-road driving and sporty black wheels for an aggressive look.
- Trail Hunter: Tailored for long-distance overlanding and slower rock crawling with Old Man Emu suspension, gold wheels, a snorkel for water fording, and a roof rack for extra gear.
Both trims share essential off-road tech like standard four-wheel drive, locking differentials, low-range gearing, multi-terrain select, and crawl control. This array of features ensures you’re ready for almost any terrain, whether it’s desert dunes or rocky trails.
Interior Upgrades: Tough Meets Tech
Step inside the new 4Runner, and you’ll notice a massive leap forward in interior design and technology. Gone is the old, dated cabin replaced by a modern, tech-forward, yet rugged environment. The centerpiece is a huge infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—making connectivity a breeze.
One of the coolest tech features is the camera system. With the press of a button, you can access multiple camera views, including front, side, rear, and even a 3D surround view. This is a huge help for parking tight spots or navigating rocky trails where every inch counts.
The gauge cluster is fully digital with customizable themes like “Tough” or “Casual Sporty.” While it offers plenty of vehicle info, it’s not perfect—there’s no way to display a full-screen map or combine music and navigation on the same screen, and configuring the display can be clunky.
Despite the tech, Toyota hasn’t softened the 4Runner’s rugged DNA. The interior features plenty of durable materials, square cup holders (which match the overall blocky design), large tactile dials for climate control, and old-school gear selector lever—all designed to feel tough and functional, not fragile or flashy.
Unique Interior Features
- Built-In Flashlight: A removable circular LED flashlight hidden in the driver’s dashboard with multiple brightness settings and a handy hook for camping.
- Removable Bluetooth Speaker: The center dash houses a speaker that ejects and doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker—perfect for tailgates or campsites.
- Roll-Down Rear Window: A beloved 4Runner feature that allows the rear tailgate window to roll down for ventilation or easy loading without opening the whole tailgate.
- Fog Light Color Selector: Factory option to switch fog lights between white and yellow with the push of a button.
- Rearview Mirror Camera: Flip a switch to turn the rearview mirror into a live camera feed, improving visibility when the back is loaded or blocked.
Practicality and Cargo Space
The 4Runner’s boxy shape translates to a spacious and practical cargo area. It offers a wide, flat load floor with handy side compartments and even a built-in air compressor—ideal for off-roaders needing to adjust tire pressure on the fly. Plus, there’s a household power outlet in the rear for charging gear, which is a thoughtful addition for long trips.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks. The load floor is quite high due to the hybrid battery placement, making it tougher to load heavy or bulky items. Also, while the 4Runner offers third-row seating, it’s only available on some trims and notably not on the off-road Trail Hunter or TRD Pro models—something that might disappoint buyers who want both off-road chops and extra passenger capacity.
Exterior Design: Bold and Modern With Character
The 2025 4Runner’s exterior keeps the rugged, boxy vibe that fans love but updates it with modern touches. The aggressive headlights give it a fierce look, and unique details like the Trail Hunter logo embedded in the headlights add personality. The tail lights are distinctive with their intricate LED designs, though the turn signals are small and subtle.
Some enthusiasts have grumbled online about the bold new look, but this kind of resistance is typical whenever a beloved model gets redesigned. History shows that the 4Runner community, like many car fanbases, eventually embraces new designs over time. The Trail Hunter and TRD Pro trims do push the styling envelope with oversized fender flares and big tires, which might feel a bit “cartoonish” to some—but hey, that’s part of the off-road charm.
Final Thoughts: Is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Worth It?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner masterfully balances modern upgrades with the ruggedness that made it a legend. It’s got a more efficient and powerful engine lineup, a tech-filled interior, and serious off-road capability that caters to different adventure styles through its new trims. Yes, the price has jumped notably, and the ride isn’t quite as smooth as luxury SUVs, but if you want a tough midsize SUV that drives well on and off the road, this is a top contender.
With a DougScore of 58, it even beats out rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, tying the pricier Toyota Land Cruiser for overall value. Whether you’re an off-road junkie or just want a reliable, capable family SUV with personality, the 2025 4Runner deserves a serious look.
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